CASPER, WYO. — Marvin Keller, 80, passed away on July 16, following an accident in Pueblo, Colo. Marvin was born May 14, 1931, in Seward, the son of Charles and Lucille Keller. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. He spent two years in the Army and was stationed in Germany. He earned a Master’s degree in Geology from the University of Wyoming. Marvin moved to Durango, Colo., in 1958 to work for Conoco. There he met the love of his life, Jerene, married and had three daughters. The family moved to Ventura, Calif., in 1966 for a short period and then to Casper.
Marvin along with his good friend Don Carpenter started their own oil and gas company, Rainbow Resources, in 1969. They joined forces with Bill Barrett and Chuck Shear through the acquisition of a portion of B&C Exploration. Rainbow was acquired by Williams Companies in 1976. Marvin remained active in the oil and gas industry for many years, starting several firms and numerous ventures. Marvin’s first priority and favorite pastime was to spend time with his family. He loved boating, skiing, and traveling. He was an avid reader and always enjoyed hunting with friends and relatives. Later in life he and Jerene split their time between Casper, Wyo. and their home in Rio Verde, Ariz.
Marvin was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and volunteered at Andre House of Arizona. Over the years, Marvin served on many boards, including the Wyoming National Bank, the Casper Petroleum Club and Central Wyoming Hospice Center.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jerene Keller; his daughters, Connie (Kate) Keller, Margaret (Craig) Gallehugh, Denise (Mike) Lee; his beloved grandchildren, Patrick, Andrew, Megan and Lauren; his sister Janice (Jerry) Becker; and 16 nieces and nephews, all of whom he cherished dearly. He was preceded in death by his brothers Jim and Norman Keller.
He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Casper Wyo., and a funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, also at St. Patrick’s. There will be a reception immediately following the service at the Casper Petroleum Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice Center, 319 South Wilson Street, Casper, WY 82601; St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School, 1145 West 20th St,. Casper, WY 82604; or Andre House of Arizona, P.O. Box 2014, Phoenix, AZ 85001-2014.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 21, 2011*
